Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your December journey
In December, Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is a major departure hub for travelers heading to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Expect high demand around mid-December and the last two weeks of the month; book early for best fares on nonstop ORD to LAX flights. Winter weather can create delays—arrive early, sign up for airline alerts, and consider earlier morning departures to reduce risk. Nearby cities commonly served via ORD include Milwaukee, Rockford, Indianapolis, and Madison, offering travelers flexible ground and connecting options. Use this guide to compare flight deals, park-and-fly options, and mobile check-in strategies for smoother December travel from O'Hare.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) typically experiences higher passenger volumes during December holiday travel, so plan to arrive at least 2–3 hours before a domestic flight. Expect longer TSA wait times during peak morning and evening windows; sign up for TSA PreCheck if available to reduce screening time. Check your airline's online check-in and mobile boarding pass options to save time at the terminal.
There are multiple daily nonstop flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in December operated by carriers such as United, American, Delta, and Southwest. Frequency increases around holidays, so book early for preferred times and to secure lower fares. Use flight search tools and set price alerts to monitor route-specific deals for ORD to LAX flights.
December in Chicago often brings snow, freezing rain, and cold temperatures that can cause delays or cancellations at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Monitor both airline and airport alerts, enroll in flight status notifications, and allow extra connection time if your itinerary includes short layovers. Consider flights earlier in the day when weather impacts are usually lower and request flexible or refundable tickets during peak winter travel.
From Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) you can use the CTA Blue Line to reach downtown Chicago, rideshares, taxis, airport shuttles, and rental cars; service operates year-round including December. Weather can affect travel times, so allow extra time on roads and consider pre-booking airport shuttles to nearby destinations like Milwaukee or Rockford. Rental car counters are consolidated at O'Hare's Multi-Modal Facility with shuttle and pedestrian access.
During December holidays at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), expect busy terminals, longer security lines, and full flights—book ticketed bags early and consider carry-on only to move faster through the airport. Travel mid-week (Tues–Thurs) to avoid the busiest weekend crowds, and use airline apps to get real-time gate and delay updates. Pack cold-weather layers and check for park-and-fly options if you're leaving a car at the airport.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) serves as a hub for travelers from nearby major cities including Milwaukee, Rockford, Gary, Indianapolis, and Madison heading to Los Angeles. Many passengers from northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin connect at ORD before flying nonstop to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Compare fares from nearby airports and consider driving or short regional flights into ORD for better availability during December.
Arriving at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in December brings holiday crowds, festive airport services, and easy access to top Southern California destinations. Popular nearby cities include Santa Monica, Hollywood, Anaheim (Disneyland), Long Beach, and Palm Springs—expect higher demand for rideshares and shuttles during holiday weekends. For a smoother arrival, pre-book transfers to Anaheim or Santa Monica, check terminal-specific pickup points, and use airline apps for baggage notifications. Take advantage of LAX lounges and seasonal retail for last-minute gifts; consider early reservations for rental cars as December inventories tighten.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) remains busy in December due to holiday tourism, but typically sees fewer weather disruptions than Chicago. Allow time for immigration (if arriving internationally), baggage claim, and ground transportation; rideshare pickup zones and shuttle services can fill up during peak evening windows. Check terminal maps in advance and follow airline notifications to streamline your arrival experience.
From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), travelers can quickly access Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Hollywood, Downtown Los Angeles, Anaheim (Disneyland), Long Beach, and Palm Springs via rental car, rideshare, or shuttle. December sees high demand for transfers to Anaheim for holiday park events and to Hollywood for seasonal attractions. Pre-book private shuttles or check public transit options like the Metro to avoid delays during holiday peak times.
December brings festive experiences at both ends of the route: Chicago near Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) offers holiday markets and tree lightings, while Los Angeles near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) features LA Zoo Lights, Hollywood holiday events, and holiday programming at Disneyland in nearby Anaheim. Popular activities include holiday light tours in LA, seasonal theater performances in downtown Los Angeles, and sports events like Lakers or Clippers home games. If you’re flying ORD to LAX in December, factor local event schedules into your booking timeline to secure flights and accommodation early.
The best time to fly ORD to LAX in December is mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) and early in the morning to minimize the likelihood of snow-related delays and to find lower fares. Avoid peak holiday travel days around Dec 20–26 and New Year's Eve when prices surge and airports are busiest. For cost-conscious travelers, the first two weeks of December often have the lowest fares, while the last two weeks see the highest demand. CTA: Check mid-week morning flights for the best combination of price and reliability on your ORD to LAX December itinerary.
Nonstop flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) are typically the fastest and most convenient option, with a flight time around 4 hours 20 minutes. Connecting options may route through hubs like Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Denver (DEN), Minneapolis (MSP), or Salt Lake City (SLC) and can be cheaper during peak December travel windows, but they increase the risk of missed connections due to winter weather at ORD. Choose nonstop flights if you want dependable travel times during the holidays; select connections only if the price savings justify the longer travel time and potential delay exposure.
United, American, Delta, and Southwest all offer multiple daily nonstop flights between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in December. United and American often have premium cabin and loyalty advantages for frequent flyers, Delta is known for operational reliability and onboard service, while Southwest may offer competitive base fares and free checked bags. Check fare classes for bundled baggage and change-fee policies—during December it pays to compare total price including baggage and seat selection. Loyalty program perks, lounge access, and schedule times can be deciding factors; use airport and airline filters to compare nonstop morning flights for the most reliable December travel.
Pack layered clothing to handle both Chicago winter cold at departure and mild Los Angeles temperatures on arrival; include a compact travel umbrella and warm outerwear for O'Hare. During December, check for weather advisories at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and sign up for airline flight alerts—consider travel insurance or flexible fares for peace of mind. Arrive early to allow extra time for parking, security, and potential de-icing procedures; book airport transfers in advance for arrivals at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to avoid long waits. CTA: Prepare for December travel now by comparing flights, confirming baggage allowances, and setting departure alerts for ORD to LAX routes.
The nonstop flight time from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) averages approximately 4 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes, depending on winds and routing. Expect a two-hour time difference (Central Time to Pacific Time), meaning an afternoon departure from ORD can arrive in Los Angeles earlier local time. Airlines typically operate multiple daily nonstops—early morning departures (around 6–8 AM CT), midday flights, and late evening services—while holiday periods add additional frequencies. For December travel, book early morning flights where possible to minimize weather-related delay risk; check live schedules with United, American, Delta, and Southwest and use airline apps for gate and time updates.
To find cheap flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in December, prioritize booking 6–8 weeks in advance for holiday windows and use flexible date searches to spot mid-week savings. Set fare alerts, check low-cost carriers like Southwest alongside legacy carriers (United, American, Delta), and use airport flexibility—compare fares into nearby airports such as Long Beach or John Wayne/Orange County for potential savings. Use location modifiers in searches (e.g., 'cheap ORD to LAX nonstop December', 'discount airfare Chicago to Los Angeles holiday') and clear cookies or use incognito mode when comparing prices. CTA: Compare cheap ORD to LAX flights now and set price alerts to lock the best December fares.
Starting from $185
Book your economy class flight from Chicago (ORD) to Los Angeles (LAX)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your december trip.
Starting from $189
Book your economy class flight from Chicago (ORD) to Los Angeles (LAX)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your december trip.
Starting from $189
Book your economy class flight from Chicago (ORD) to Los Angeles (LAX)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your december trip.
Starting from $198
Book your economy class flight from Chicago (ORD) to Los Angeles (LAX)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your december trip.
Starting from $216
Book your economy class flight from Chicago (ORD) to Los Angeles (LAX)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your december trip.
Planning a trip from Chicago (ORD) to Los Angeles (LAX) in december? SlickTrip helps you find the cheapest economy class flights with our comprehensive flight comparison tool. Whether you prefer direct flights for convenience or multi-stop flights for savings, we have options for every budget and schedule.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) typically features holiday-themed decorations, extended retail hours, and seasonal dining specials in December, with pop-up gift shops in terminals. Expect higher demand at lounges and premium services—book lounge access in advance if you need a quiet space after a long flight from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Check the LAX official site for terminal-specific hours and holiday services.
For international arrivals into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in December, standard CBP processing applies with e-Gates where available; expect longer wait times during peak holiday travel days. Domestic baggage claim operations remain consistent, but carousels may be busier—use tracking features from your airline app and look for priority baggage options if available. If you have tight onward connections to nearby destinations like Anaheim or San Diego, allow extra transit time after baggage claim.
Yes—many hotels near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) provide complimentary shuttle service year-round, including December, though schedules can be impacted by holiday staffing. Long-term parking at off-airport lots may fill up during holiday weekends, so reserve spots in advance. For travelers connecting from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with early departures, consider airport hotels near LAX to minimize morning commute risk.
Arriving at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in December means transitioning from cold winter weather to milder Southern California temperatures, but be prepared for busy airport services and peak ground-transport demand. If you’re arriving between Dec 20–26 or around New Year's, pre-book transfers and confirm baggage handling times. Keep an eye on flight status for any Midwest weather-related knock-on delays that could affect arrival times.
